This is still just a rumor/hint from an interview, not a product announcement yet. L-Rumors has just summarized a Japanese interview with Lumix (Panasonic), including a paragraph about the need to attach an EVF to the Lumix S9 model full-frame compact series and that the company is considering this feedback when planning future machines.

S9 is compact, but many people still ask for EVF

According to L-Rumors, photographer Komuro and store staff commented that the S9 is very compact, but many users still want to have an electronic viewfinder (EVF) built into the camera body. This is a point that has been mentioned a lot since the S9 launched in 2024: the device is designed around an LCD screen like a smartphone, without an electronic viewfinder.

Lumix representatives admitted they received quite a few requests for a compact body with EVF, and related the spirit of the previous GM / G100 series. He also said that the space inside the S9 is currently almost fully utilized, partly because of IBIS and battery, so inserting an EVF is not simple.

Important point: Lumix's side only hinted that feedback on the EVF version is being considered in future camera plans. There is no confirmation of the “S9 II” name, no launch date, price or specifications.

Not only L-Rumors: CP+ 2026 also heard the same story

Previously, at CP+ 2026, Mr. Toshiyuki Tsumura (Panasonic, Imaging Business Unit) responded to CineD and said the same thing. According to him, the S9 is designed to be small and light, with an LCD shooting style; As for the group that likes to look through the viewfinder, it is "very strong" that they require mounting an EVF. Panasonic is balancing compactness and EVF mounting to accommodate more customers.

In the same interview there were a few other ideas

L-Rumors adds a few points besides the EVF:

• There is a proposal to make the S PRO 35mm F1.4 lens according to the high optical standards of the old 50mm F1.4 version; Lumix said it would ask the optical design / product planning team for research.
• The shop wants to add a pancake / compact tube, suggesting about 28mm and 50mm thin to fit small full-frame bodies.
• Lumix emphasizes the software that goes with the hardware: LUMIX Lab, Real-Time LUTs created by users, and Magic LUT-style AI features to "bake" personal color profiles right in the device.

These ideas are just a discussion/recognition of needs, not an official roadmap.

Lumix S9 body colors on Panasonic product page. Photo: Panasonic.

Rumor has it that the Lumix S9 II has a built-in EVF: Panasonic management revealed that they are considering it

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